I didnt have a good reason. Will this strengthen the other parents case because I didnt respond?

It's hard to say without knowing any of the facts or seeing the pleadings, but it certainly doesn't help. If you go and bring compelling evidence why you shouldn't be held in contempt (e.g. inability to comply despite willingness) you might prevail, but the court won't be pleased/impressed with you so there's no guarantee they'll accept your evidence. If the hearings are consolidated, the parenting plan will be approached differently because it is about the kids not you--they won't punish the kids for you not filing the right paperwork. That said, repeated findings of contempt are a legitimate basis for requesting a parenting plan modification, so it really depends on the facts. Talk with an attorney if at all possible, and try for the continuance anyway--hearings always go better if you have a chance to come in on equal footing, the commissioner having heard both sides of the story.